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Auction: 18001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 564

A fine Great War Mesopotamia operations M.C. group of four awarded to 2nd Lieutenant J. Graham, Bedfordshire Regiment, late Cameron Highlanders and Seaforth Highlanders: he inspired his men 'with a very proper and warlike spirit for killing the enemy' and 'accounted for many himself'

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (8589 Cpl. - A. Sjt. J. Graham, Cam'n Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals (2 Lieut. J. Graham), generally very fine (4)


M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1918:

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He set a splendid example of daring to his men under heavy shell fire, and inspired them with a very proper and warlike spirit for killing the enemy; he accounted for many himself, and assisted very materially in the repulse of two attacks. Again, in subsequent operations, he contributed largely to their success.'

John Graham, a native of Orton, Morayshire, was born on 20 February 1890 and originally enlisted in the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. A few months later, in April 1909, he transferred to the Cameron Highlanders and he was serving as an Acting Sergeant in the 1st Battalion on the outbreak of hostilities in August 1914.

He first went to France in early October 1915, where he witnessed much fighting and gained advancement to Regimental Sergeant-Major, prior to being selected for a commission. Appointed 2nd Lieutenant in the 1st Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders in October 1917, he transferred to Mesopotamian front and it was here that he won his M.C. in the following year.

He later served as a Lieutenant on attachment to the Bedfordshire Regiment; sold with copied research.


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Sold for
£1,100